Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Cleveland, OH (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Atlanta is 139% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,617/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 45%
$81,938/yr ↑ 109%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 52%
$420,600 ↑ 347%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 78%
$1,695/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 49%
499,287
Population
367,523

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $723/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $8,676/year.

Median household income is $42,751/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cleveland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Atlanta or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Cleveland?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $723/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Cleveland?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $42,751/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Ohio?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with rent of $894/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Cleveland details →

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